Transmission quirk (issue?)
 

2006 E55 with ~103k miles. Had it for 3 years now. Prior owner records indicate a MB Dealer transmission fluid change at around 80k miles.

Noticed the following trait last winter, and remains today.
On the first cold start (in morning or in evening after sitting all day at work), the transmission seems to hold first gear for an excessive amount of time before it upshifts to 2. And this only occurs one time. After it makes that first shift, transmission appears fine rest of the entire drive/day. But if the car sits for several hours, same thing.
Rest of the time, the transmission shifts/performs just fine.

Anyone else experience this? Wondering if this is "normal" or an indication that something needs to be done proactively to prevent an issue.

Sounds to me it may be due for a trans service and possibly a conductor plate. Friend of mine here had same thing happen and after I did the conductor plate and fresh fluid it was perfect.

thanks. Would the conductor plate (assumig that is the issue) show up on a diagnostic scan using a shops scanner? If so, may stop by my friends shop over the next few days and get it scanned

Not always

Normal. On almost all MB's of that era, on cold start the trans will hang in gear keeping RPMs up. The reason- to heat up the cats faster for emissions purposes.

I tried this, this morning. I drove very slowly and it shifted below 2000rpm. Usually it will go to 3000rpm at least when cold and applying mild to moderate throttle. I would guess it is normal but what rpm are you seeing?